Committee asks whether Measure AA can fund park improvements or neighborhood watch programs

A committee member asked whether revenues from Measure AA could be used to upgrade parks and improve resident experience, noting parks face homeless-related demands. Finance Manager Adam Jans said Measure AA is technically a general-purpose tax but was presented to the public for public safety, roads and quality-of-life programs; council authorization could allow park improvements but doing so may run counter to how the measure was presented. Jans recommended other funds and grants are typically more appropriate for park improvements but said staff will research legal and procedural steps.

The committee member requested that staff return with concrete information at the next meeting about whether Measure AA funds can legally and practically be used for parks, and what steps would be required to bring a decision to city council.